DETERMINATION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF ORGANIC CARBON IN SOIL AND PLANTS AT OTTA FARM, AGBOWA-IKOSI, LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for soil health and ecosystem productivity, yet the influence of agricultural practices and seasonal variation is not fully understood. This study assessed SOC concentrations in soil and plants at Otta Farm, Lagos State. The farm was divided into 50 m × 50 m grids, and 20 plots were randomly selected using stratified random sampling. A total of 200 soil and corresponding vegetation samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Soil organic carbon was determined using the Walkley–Black wet oxidation method, while plant samples were analyzed using the oxidation technique. Student’s t-test was applied to compare carbon concentrations across dry and wet seasons. Results indicated that vegetation type and management practices significantly influenced SOC levels, with higher concentrations observed in root and perennial crop plots. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between plant and soil carbon concentrations, with higher values recorded in plants.